Once cleanup, what little of it there was, was finished and the Skimmers sent ahead, we finally headed out. Our next camp spot was just past the Herd Lord’s territory because we’d decided not to break camp on his lands. There was too much uncertainty involved, and chances we would be welcomed with those that knew of the Lord's actions and betrayal seemed unlikely. It was more likely that we would find ourselves under siege.

The Kelpie that we were escorting had remained patient, even the foals managed to restrain their exuberance. Silently watching as the Inspector conducted his investigation. They had shown little emotion, a steadfastness that seemed to bely the skittish nature of horses. Of course, they were an entirely different species, but I’d thought some characteristics would bleed over.

What worried me, somewhat, was the foal’s behavior. They still seemed wary and uncertain, afraid to stray too far from their parents. I wondered how badly they had been abused and mistreated to keep them from behaving like children, children full of energy and life. It re-kindled my anger when I thought about the damage to psyche these innocents must have been subjected too. Even if they had not been physically abused, they had been forced to endure and observe as their parents were.

As we headed out, Blayney fell into formation next to me taking the time to inform me that we would arrive at the Herd Lord’s settlement around dusk or shortly thereafter. We had anticipated arriving soon after the evening meal, but recent events would delay our arrival.

Not by much. The time of our arrival was only slightly delayed, and weather conditions were still great and would not affect travel, we should still manage to beat the setting sun. Since that was the case, I decided there was no need to move the proposed campsite.

Once Blayney was certain that I was informed about our arrival time and willing to maintain the existing plans and schedule, he and the other Kelpie galloped ahead to take the lead, they were proficient in blazing a trail for the rest of us to follow in those instances when foliage became obstinate and thick.

Their endurance and stamina were prodigious, even the foals seemed tireless. The Kelpie species were well-suited and adapted for extreme distance traveling. Terrain seemed of little import in how they reacted. Straightforward and bull-rushing when things got dense. It made me wonder if there might not be a bit of Minotaur stubbornness blended into their genetic makeup.

Any joy and wonder I’d had while enjoying the scenery and nature that we bypassed as we traveled were forgotten. The trip became more about duty than pleasure. Banter and discussion between all members of the group were truncated, often nothing more than suggestions between party members on best routes to avoid naturally made obstacles.

The closer we came to the Herd Lands, the more perplexed I became. There was no gradual progression from wild and untamed lands to those that had been civilized and farmed. No gradual increase in buildings and farms. No signs of towns or villages to suggest that we were approaching civilization of any kind, let alone the Herd’s settlement. It wasn’t until Blayney led us to the top of a small hill and signaled for his family and those of us following him to pause that the landscape changed.

"Herd Haygan," he said as he cast his gaze down upon the lands below.

Moving to join him, I searched the valley, looking for anything familiar, something that would identify this land as a community. We had arrived slightly later than we’d anticipated, but the sun had yet to set. The last golden rays bathed the valley in warmth. Fields of grain, wheat, and oats waved gently in the breeze. Kernels golden and bursting with life and vitality ready to be harvested. Fields of clover, hay, and triticale were just beginning to sprout. Late season crops more suited for fall and winter.

A scattering of ponds and a small lake could be seen. The only habitable buildings were located near that body of water. There was a pier that extended into the lake, with an attached warehouse, probably used for processing water crops and fish.

I saw no signs of technology. No Skimmers, farm combines, or fishing vessels. Farming and fishing were done by hand. The Kelpies' ability to shapeshift allowed them to expertly gather fish and crops as needed, magic replacing machinery when necessary.

"There doesn’t seem to be many people around," I said interrupting Blayney’s surveillance.

"Most are probably in the lake," he explained. "The days are long, and as night approaches, Kelpie families like to gather and refresh themselves by soaking in an underground hot spring. A natural spring that feeds the lake. There are a few workers scattered here and there, a few still in the fields. But don’t make the mistake of equating the Herd settlement with Lord Kel’s city. The two have very little in common.

"Kelpie herds number in the tens of thousands, not the hundreds of thousands or millions you would expect to find in cities. At most, there might be twenty thousand people. That is why just a few are required when a herd split. We are expected to start an offshoot colony by recruiting the spares and extras from other Herds.

The few become the many as news spread that a new settlement has formed. Younger males and females, disgruntled with the pace of established herds, seek out these new colonies. It is this fresh infusion of blood, ideas, and vitality that has allowed our species to thrive."

"Where should we search for the Herd Lord?" I asked.

"That won’t be necessary," Blayney assured me.

"Scouts and lookouts have already informed him of our approach. The entire settlement leaders, as well as any curios Kelpie nearby, will gather to meet with us by the time, we approach the Elder hall.

"Herd Lord Haygan will be inside the building, waiting. He won’t deign to meet with us until welcome has been given, or challenge has been offered.

"Protocols are uniform amongst the Herds, standard practices exist for meeting all new arrivals. A group of Elders will first greet us, and establish if we come in peace, and if not, what our intentions are. They will know who I am but will be unable to admit they recognize me. When we left the Herd, we severed relationships with those we left behind. We are not outcasts. We are simply not of Herd Haygan," he explained.

"You will be ignored, at first," Blayney continued.

"Don’t take this as a slight or offense. The Herd and Elders will not ‘know’ me, but they know of me. They know I and the rest split from the Herd to begin a new life. And they know that our agreement with Kel fief and Herd Haygan included trade agreements.

"Some may wonder at our return. But those Lord Haygan has trusted will know the truth. They will be expecting a challenge. There is no other course of action for us or them.

"There are rules that must be followed for a ritual challenge, rules that constrain both parties. All non-member Kelpie, male or female, ascended or those still striplings, are allowed the right to challenge.

“Once the challenge has been made and accepted, discussions and terms can be agreed upon.

"I intend to give challenge in such a way that his actions are made known to all. I will denounce Herd Lord Haygan and detail the events of the past year. That he knowingly sold us into slavery, and that he and his conspired with Lord Kel's son, Thom, to remove any he thought might challenge his position as Herd Lord.

"You and the rest of the group should be safe under the laws of challenge, both during and after. But his corruption is worrisome. He should not have forsaken his honor so egregiously as to sell Kelpie into slavery. It is best to expect deceit and trickery. Perhaps a surprise attack or assassination attempt.

“At that time, I will make known my intent. I intend to invoke Blood challenge and let the Herd know that I intend to root out the corruption and claim the Herd for my own. There will be no room for compromise. Haygan or I will not survive this day. One of us will be either dead or severely wounded and cast out," he finished determinedly.

"There is no role for me or mine in this challenge?" I asked.

"You may only stand witness to the proceedings. If I fail, you and yours are exempt from retribution. This is a personal challenge, not war. Or at least you should be safe," Blayney said uncertainly showing up for the first time in his words and facial expression.

"Be ready if I do fall. You will be expected to leave the colony immediately. They will not extend guest privileges or make you welcome. You will be branded with the same brush as the rest of us. Considered sympathizers and supporters.

"I would ask a favor," he hesitated unsure of how I would respond.

"The children should be safe. Sidhe revere all children. But Herd Lord Haygan has proven to be dishonorable. His people may target you and the children during or after the battle to manipulate or hold hostage those I hold most precious.

"You have given much. Allowing us to regain our freedom. Escorting us here. Demonstrating that not all Seelie are duplicitous and ignoble. And yet, I would ask one further boon.

"Until challenge has been answered and settled. Until you have received guest privileges or are required to remove yourself and those with you from Herd lands. Consider the children your wards. Protect them so they cannot be used as blackmail or leverage against me during or after my fight.

“And if I should fall during the challenge, accept them as a part of your Household. Find some way for them to serve until they have Ascended and are capable of standing firm in their own right," he pleaded.

His request seemed simple on the surface, but the faith and honor he placed with me was anything but. His interaction with Seelie, recently, had been one of fear, pain, and mistrust. He knew me a matter of days, and in those few days, we had seldom spoken. Yet for some reason, he thought he could trust that I would protect the lives of his children. That they would be safe in my hands.

Seelie were a demonstrative people, so the tears that gathered and fell as I pondered his request were unremarkable to those that noticed. I found the lump in my throat along with the warmth in my heart grew as I remembered past memories. My younger sister having a car accident and being severely handicapped. My decision to drop out of medical school to help provide medical care and seek work to pay the crushing debt her care required. And the fierce love and happiness our family experienced as she took her first steps, said her first words after waking from her coma, and the joy I felt when she allowed me to walk her down the aisle. The honor I felt as I passed on the duty to care and love her to the man she loved unconditionally.

I knew intellectually that this wasn’t the same. But emotionally, in the recesses of my heart, I experienced the same feelings of accomplishment and pride. I was jubilant. Honored was too simple a word to contain the emotions I felt. I was profoundly moved by his request and wanted instinctively to immediately agree.

I had already discovered that children had a purity and directness that fostered attachment, sentiment, and love. Like the Seelie, I had always revered and taken delight in their openness and innocence. The few times I had fought back against evil, in my previous life, were when I felt children were being abused or neglected. There is nothing more heart wrenching than the tears and cries of a child in fear or need. Nothing more horrific than seeing a young life damaged because of neglect or abuse.

Blayney did not turn from me or pretend not to see my tears as he waited for my response. He saw nothing shameful in my actions or emotions. Instead, my tears were tangible proof that I understood exactly what it was he was asking, and the onus of accepting this responsibility would place on me.

I didn’t say yes immediately. I wanted to, but I didn't because I was unsure if I was interpreting his question and my responsibilities correctly. I was looking at this from the perspective of my previous life, my frame of reference was skewed towards Earth and Earth habits. I needed to be certain I wasn’t misunderstanding the request or the expectations that accepting his request would place on me and mine.

"Caraid? He is asking me to essentially adopt and accept into my House the children if he dies in battle? Why wouldn’t his wife take over raising and rearing them?"

[Partly,] Caraid answered. [He is asking you to accept them into your House as fosterlings. You are not required to adopt them, he is asking for protection, that you provide safety and support until they are able to Ascend. Not that you add them to your line and include inheritance rights for them.

[His request makes sense because he knows what will happen to his wife if he falls. Kelpie herds are strictly patriarchal. His wife, if he falls in battle, becomes a part of the Herd Lords House. She would become an under-wife. Or she could choose to disavow that relationship and be branded heretic, one who refuses to accept Herd Law.

[The children should be safe either way. But there would be a stigma that develops amongst their peers.

[Children can be often cruel. They parrot the words and beliefs of their parents. If he fails to win the challenge, his children would grow up in an environment of derision and contempt as the other children mocked and harassed them as the foals of one who was idiotic enough or foolhardy enough to think he was capable of defeating the Herd Lord.]

Satisfied that I understood the situation, that Blayney’s request was not capricious or impulsive, but instead based on real need and worry, I gave my answer. "You do me much honor to place those most vulnerable in my trust. I will remember and repay this faith with faith, trust with trust.

"Trust that your request has merit. Trust that your thoughts and intention are for the benefit of your children. And trust that this duty that you have requested is one of esteem.

"I say to you, settle your mind. And I return that trust. I will protect those you have placed under my banner until you stand proudly, the champion of the coming challenge, and have proven the legitimacy of your actions.

"Betrayals must be answered, for actions do have consequence. But be settled, your children will be safe," I finally assured him. "My people and I will protect them to our last breath. And if you should fall in challenge, they will be treasured members of my House. I will see them as strong and capable adults."

Compelled to act by the same force that directed me when I accepted Cedric as my Vassal, I withdrew my knife from my spatial ring, I made a fast slash across my palm and extended the bleeding appendage towards Blayney. Surprised he quickly followed suit, and as our blood mingled, the magic stirred, and System witnessed our new alliance.

I was not creating a new Vassal. I was creating a new ally. He and his would not fall under my banner. But in times of need, we could call on each other. The ties were more nebulous than that of Vassal, for when called, choice remained, and the call could be refused.

Words said. Actions made. There was nothing left but to go forward.

With that Blayney began leading the other adult Kelpie, those few who had stood in silent witness to our actions, toward his future and theirs.

Win or lose.

The coming challenge would change his life and that of the Herd.